Shingles is one of the most painful viral infections that a person may undergo. The thing about shingles is that it is very common. While it doesn’t often last for long periods of time, it’s uncomfortable and painful to anyone who has to undergo shingles.

One of the problems with shingles is that people may not realize that’s what is occuring to them. There are many different skin conditions which can occur on a person. Knowing exactly which condition is at fault for the pain isn’t always easy. The one “good” thing about shingles is that the painful nature is often a bit of a giveaway.

What Causes Shingles?

Unlike many diseases, the causes for shingles is very well known. It’s caused by a virus. In fact, it’s the exact same virus which causes children to get chickenpox. When chicken pox goes away, the virus in the body lays dormant. This doesn’t mean that the virus is gone, it’s simply taking some time off inactive. The virus sits in nerve tissue that is located by the brain and spinal cord. Later in life, many adults will have the virus flare up as shingles. The virus causes a different type of skin and nerve irritant. This is shingles.

What Exactly Is Shingles?

Shingles is a serious condition due to the pain it causes. It looks like a rash, and is often centered on the back of the neck near the spinal column. This rash comes from a virus and turns into very painful blisters over time.

Symptoms of Shingles

The symptoms of shingles aren’t that many. It’s fairly common. They tend to be the same for most people. While shingles is usually very painful in the nerve areas, it’s also possible for people to not feel much pain. These instances are fairly rare though. Symptoms include:

• Red Swollen Skin Patches
• Stabbing or Shooting Pains
• Tingling Under The Skin
• Fevers and Chills
• Headaches
• Upset Stomach

Typically, a shingles rash evolves. It starts off simply as a rash, however it becomes worse over time until it is a painful blisters full of fluid. The blisters will heal over time, but it can take between 7 and 10 days. During that time it can be very painful.

Are Shingles Contagious?

A common question and worry for people is whether shingle is actually contagious. The reality is that an outbreak of shingles is not actually contagious from person to person. The virus that causes shingles however, is contagious. Most do contract the virus as a child, however, if someone never got chicken pox as a kid, then it is very possible to get the virus through touching infected areas or fluids from infected areas.

This doesn’t mean that someone will get a shingles outbreak. They will simply have the virus and have the potential to get chicken pox first before later having the chance to have a shingles outbreak.

Shingles Treatment

Because shingles is caused by a virus, it’s possible for antiviral medications to be effective in reducing the progress of a shingles induced rash. This is especially true when shingles is diagnosed early and quickly.

To deal with the pain, it’s also common for people to use pain relievers. Typically over the counter pain relievers can give enough relief. They can also help with people who receive pain after shingles goes away.